Since 2005, Rock Ed Philippines has been ending its work-year with a mammoth celebration of Human Rights.  They hold eight (8) simultaneous events in eight  (8) train stations of the MRT line along historic EDSA.

Now on its 5th year, it begs for justice and awareness for the innocents slain in Maguindanao.

to know on how you can help, donate, or volunteer to RockEd Philippines click here

*I DO NOT CLAIM OWNERSHIP OF THIS VIDEO OR ANY MATERIAL POSTED HERE*

If I could tear my body in parts just so I could be in different MRT stations at a time, I will..

So here’s the band line up per station. I have no idea on the schedules and whatnot, but just so you have a guide on whats happening, I suggest you read through this.

*YES Vehm! This is proof that I will be present on your gig this time. see you in Cubao station. (that’s just one station away from our place)

It seems that everybody is enthralled by the tv ad commercials of the 2010 Presidentiables and the other government positions. Especially when our favorite actors and actress are included and campaigning for these politicians. Some indicate that it was paid by some of their friends, private companies and the likes. But what is the truth behind the payment of those high cost tv advertisements?

Early in the morning, when I am preparing myself leaving the house for work I heard in the local news about the debate of two state university students here at the Philippines. One of the Mass Communication student is pointing out that campaign strategies here are not fair especially when it comes to these high cost tv ads. Some of them has limited budget so there is this chances that people might not get to know them better. Above all of the campaign strategies, television is one of the most effective way. Most of the Filipinos are getting updates through televisions. Second, through the use of the world wide web.

I am not against any of these advertisements nor into it. But what I want to emphasize is that no matter how long or short is the duration of the advertisement, people nowadays are wise enough to make their voices count. There are lots of way to make clean election happen. Let’s just pray that the first computerize election here will work as what it should be.

What is so special about elective government positions that people would spend millions–even billions of peso–to get elected to a job paying only a comparatively measly few hundreds of thousand a year? What is so attractive in becoming a president, senator, congressman, governor or even a mayor that people would try to do almost anything, including cheating and even killing women, journalists, and innocent bystanders, just to ensure a victory at the polls?

The answer, of course, is POWER (all-caps with fireworks to boot!). Unfortunately for it, Philippine democracy is just a set of inconvenient rules in this game of power and power-brokering. Traditional politics focuses on the capture and the maintenance and consolidation of the Power–for most traditional politicians this means keeping it in the family or clan.

In this sense, democratic elections are tolerated because these cannot be set aside without overthrowing the post-Marcos political system. This is something which will take too much effort to do and therefore is only seen as a last resort. In the meantime, the traditional politicians pursue the Power using every loophole of the electoral laws–and even brazenly contravening these laws if they think they can get away with it.

However, power–though a legitimate objective in every electoral contest–is not or will never be whole framework of democratic elections or of democratic governance. In the theory of democracy, power resides naturally or inherently in the governed. Consent of the governed is therefore sought in the setting-up and functioning of the State and government, particularly in the electoral process.

Power of a public official–in a democracy–is necessarily limited by the social contract or constitution, the derivative laws of the land, and public opinion. A public servant, the public official cannot change the mandate given him or her without the consent of the governed.

Precisely, political delicadeza dictates that an unpopular president should take the broad hints given by the people. That she should refrain from running again–even for a relatively minor position–and embarrassing the incoming president or, worse, go into Congress and maneuver to dislocate or even replace the new president.

However, the taste of power is addictive. And near-absolute power trumps any addictive drug known to mankind.

The Maguindanao massacre (or Ampatuan massacre, some would say) death toll has, as of today has risen to 59, 28 of them members of the mass media (one is still missing). By any measure, this is an unprecedented assault on Philippine democracy and on press freedom.

It can also be termed now as a crime against humanity, as defined internationally. Bar the formal processes of the court, there is already strong evidence that it was perpetrated by persons in authority, used state resources, targeted unarmed and defenseless civilians, and used cruel, inhumane, and unusual punishment. It would have been genocide if a pattern can be established that it targets a particular section or sector in society.

It must be remembered that complicity in the crime against humanity, particularly by the state authorities, is established even when they do nothing or do not exert enough effort to prevent or stop the crime. The responsibility of the state is clear here: Use the full authority and powers of the state to stop the crime and render justice and assistance to the victims.

The actions of the Arroyo government leaves much to be desired and must be condemned. One, it did not suspend or remove from positions of authority those members of the Ampatuan clan even as the circumstances clearly showed that the crime was committed within the context of a clan conflict. Two, the declaration of the state of emergency, while at first glance seems a logical move, actually favors the Ampatuans–it enables them to use the police and the military for protection from retaliation and basically maintains the present Ampatuan hold on the area. Three, except for negotiations  to have Mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr. arrested, there was virtually no attempt to arrest more Ampatuans who were party to the crime, notably Governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr., who was already reported publicly warning the Mangudadatus not to field a candidate for governorship since a week before and whose provincial government’s backhoe was found at the scene of the crime. Four, there was no credible attempt to disarm the Ampatuans and their clan army (distributed and hidden in the various army, police, CAFGU, and CVO military and paramilitary units in the province)–the weapons shown in the television as having been “surrendered” by CAFGUs are WWII obsolete types and not the modern M16s used in the crime. Five, the whole action of the Arroyo government, even though the excuse of “due process” may be valid, was excruciatingly slow and deliberately courteous–a stark contrast in how they (man)handled the case of oppositionist radio commentator Ted Failon.

There are signs that the Arroyo government is actively playing a covering role for the Ampatuans and that what we are witnessing is an elaborate shadow play meant to blunt the global condemnation of the Maguindanao massacre and to prevent the leap to a condemnation of the Arroyo government itself.

It does not help that reports are coming out that Malacañang, including President Arroyo herself, was active right before the massacre in brokering the clan conflict between the erstwhile allies. The reports say that the brokering was one-way, with Malacañang offering senior posts in the national government and huge amount of money to the Mangudadatus to agree to the senior Andal Ampatuan’s emphatic demand for the Mangudadatus not to field a candidate for governor post.

If true, then Malacañang does not play a clean hand in the handling of the Maguindanao massacre. It may even be accused of complicit behavior in this crime against humanity. The international laws say that complicity and actual commission of crimes against humanity are treated in the same manner.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her government now stands accused of the crime against humanity in the international court of public opinion.

Impunity is abducting and murdering more than 50 people in broad daylight.

Impunity is having 100 armed men, many in uniform, together with local government and police officials, abducting and murdering more than 50 people in broad daylight.

It is the use of heavy equipment equipment to dig mass graves ahead of the abduction and mass murder.

Impunity is burying the murdered persons together with their vehicles in the hopes that they will never be found anyway.

It is the seemingly carefree use of a government-owned back-hoe to cover up a heinous crime, notwithstanding the fact that the name of the provincial governor appears prominently on the said equipment.

Impunity is the declaration that no witnesses will be left alive, whether they are part of the convoy or just passing motorists minding their own business.

It is the utter disregard for the lives of women, lawyers and journalists. It is the thought that you can actually win elections by simply eliminating your rivals even before they can actually contest the position.

Impunity is being able to meet and have your picture taken with a senior government official a day after you and your family were implicated in a mass murder.

Impunity is not having to fear immediate arrest even if you’re considered by the police and military as the prime suspect in a massacre.

Impunity is the government saying we have a healthy democracy despite having more than 1,000 victims of extrajudicial killings, more than 200 abductions and the systematic murder of activists and the continuing killings of journalists.

Impunity is the denial of justice for hundreds of cases of extrajudicial killings in a span of just nine years despite domestic and international condemnation.

Impunity is what the Arroyo government has cultivated throughout its term, either by directly sanctioning the killings or by just being indifferent to the plight of the victims.

END IMPUNITY. ARREST AND PROSECUTE THE PERPETRATORS.

Opposition Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced that he isn’t seeking for any higher office in the 2010 Elections, at a press conference held in the Club Filipino, Greenhills San Juan. “Napagpasyahan ko na hindi tumakbo bilang pangulo sa darating na halalan (I have decided not to run for President this coming elections),” he said. He later clarified, addressing a question by a reporter, that he would not seek to run for either the Presidency or the Vice-Presidency next year.

He asked for the Filipino people to be vigilant and critical in seeing past the sweet promises and actions of those who have declared themselves to run for the Presidency. It is important to see whether they have or have not been eaten by the system in their quest for the highest position of the land.

Chiz stated in black and white his plans of not running in the near future, but what is important to note is that he expressed his decision and desire to still lead and change this nation. He also hinted on his future plans. “I have decided that even though now is not the time for my dream and destiny for a presidency that won’t be beholden to anyone, I will continue to hold that dream and promise. If not now, in the near future.” (translated from his speech in Filipino)

““Kaisa ninyo ako, at kaisa ako ng kung sinumang pagtitiwalaan ng sambayanan sa mga darating na araw. At bilang botante, bilang Pilipino, bilang Senador patuloy akong mananalig sa kakayanan ng Pilipino at ng ating bansa na malampasan ang mga hamon at pagsubok na ito.”

Video also posted at Blogwatch.ph

2 people were executed yesterday in China for their involvement in the processing of milk that was tainted with melamine that killed 6 babies and sickened 300,000 last year, CNN. Timeline of the scandal, Wikipedia.

A new study of 51 U.S. homes indicates that some homes built between 2005 and 2007 using drywall from China may be emitting poisonous toxins, CNN.

2.1 million cribs manufactured by Stork Craft Manufacturing of Canada have been recalled after 4 infants were suffocated in the cribs, Associated Press.

The total number of people killed in a dispute among clans ahead of next year’s elections in Maguindanao province in the Philippines has risen to 46, BBC News. Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared a state of emergency for the southern regions of Mindanao island where the killings took place, Christian Science Monitor. More on the two clans involved, Inquirer.

Hackers released emails from climate scientists at the Climatic Research Unit at East Anglia University in the United Kingdom that, critics say, indicate the scientists tried to limit discussion of dissenting views on climate change, Wall St. Journal. Expect this issue to be raised ahead of next month’s UN climate change talks in Copenhagen, Financial Times. Official summit site, COP15.

Rom Houben, a Belgian man injured in a car crash who was presumed to be in a coma for 23 years, was actually conscious but unable to move or speak the entire time, CNN International.

It isn’t even elections year, yet the hopefuls are hyping the elections enough to capture everyone’s attention. From their annoying campaign jingles to hearing their dubious (and sometimes ridiculous) platforms, these public-office aspirants make sure their names don’t even get forgotten with the candidates from Luzon being the most guilty ones. To them, popularity is key to success. Elsewhere however, in the lawless region of Maguindanao, a local politician is taking popularity to a whole new level. (Allegedly) This guy doesn’t believe it is in media that he can attain popularity, but he resorts to something else, massacre.

Heavily Armed: Despite tight security, elections in Mindanao continues to be marred with violence.

Residents of this war-torn Mindanao province are very much used to violence, most especially when elections are near. As a matter of fact, at the last national elections (senatorials 2007) Maguindanao registered the highest rate of violence. Yet, the fear is still there. Worried parents fear for their children’s future, education is not even on top of their concerns, what’s education by the way if you’re going to get killed anyways? The threat of death lurks in every corner of the land. There are Muslim rebels roaming freely as well as militia men of corrupt politicians asserting their employer’s supremacy, usually with violence. The military, who are obviously tasked to protect the civilians and enforce the law, find it difficult to do their duties with the kind of power they have in that place. And the equipment they get isn’t much of a help either.

It  has been peaceful for a while in this place, there had been no major conflict that happened here for months. That is a good thing, but this isn’t right. Something was bound to happen. Peace here isn’t and has never been normal.

And now there’s chaos.

Twenty-one people, of whom 13 were women, were abducted and were later found dead. Some of them were even beheaded. The group composed of journalists and politicians, all of them were allies of Vice Mayor Toto Mangudadatu, an aspiring governor. All fingers are pointed at his rival, Mayor Datu Unsay Ampatuan, as suspect.

The time of the crime, the instance, the fashion it happened, the victims, it all adds up. The crime is election related. Police have identified one of the victims as Mangudadatu’s wife. What’s worse is that Mangudadatu fears that more may be found dead as he revealed that there are more of his allies that have been abducted.

This incident dents our country’s elections record once more, and another issue for foreign groups to reconsider the aid  that they give to our government. The Maguindanao massacre is possibly the worst election-related crime and the worst incident of journalists being killed. And the sad thing here is that both records were made in one tragic event.

Today is a sad day for our country. Not only because a diabolical manslaughter has occured but also because our elections, our democracy, is turning more and more into a joke. And just a food for thought, were still four months away from the polls, and yet an atrocity of this calibre has already happened. What will happen next week then? Or next month? Or more importantly during the elections? The government are in the best position to secure a safe and fair election. Sure, they have failed so many times in the past but now is a golden opportunity to redeem themselves. Now is the best time to prove their commitment to fulfulling the dream of a peaceful election. They must ensure peace and fairness this time, and prevent another travesty of our judiciary and our elections from happening.

The story is still unfolding. However, the initial news indicate that there happened a massacre of Mangudadatu clan members, political supporters of Buluan vice-mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, accompanying mediamen, and other civilians. The total may reach more than 40 people in all. All of them were forcibly abducted in broad daylight as they proceeded to Shariff Aguak town to file Mangudadatu’s certificate of candidacy. Those whose bodies had already been recovered were beheaded, and some were reportedly ran over by vehicles.

This brutal and grisly act, blamed on the opposing Ampatuan clan, is unparalleled in the annals of Philippine elections. It should be condemned in the strongest terms. There is no excuse for the government and for the Arroyo administration–even as it is guilty itself for tolerating and even coddling human rights violators–not to crack down hard on the perpetrators of this massacre.

However, it is cautionary to see if such a crackdown–in the name of regaining control and maintaining peace and order–will result in real justice for the victims and solve the conflict in Maguindanao. It is cautionary to see if it will not result in actual shielding of the perpetrators and white-washing of the incident. Lastly, it is cautionary to see if the situation is actually the latest spark in the endless plots to create an emergency situation that can be used for setting aside the 2010 elections.

The key elements to watch out for in the next days to come are: 1) if the AFP and the police disarm the armed Ampatuan clan and arrest, charge, and actually convict the perpetrators of the massacre; and 2) if more incidents happen that would portray a nationwide breakdown in peace and order.

It is no secret that the ascension of Mr. Norberto Gonzalez to the Defense portfolio, if only as an acting secretary, has caused apprehension because of his penchant for unconstitutional suggestions on how Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her Malacañang gang can remain in power. The recent sporadic bombings in Metro Manila and this Maguindanao incident are not related, or are they?

Efren Peñaflorida, the Filipino who started the “Kariton Klassroom” to bring education to poor children in slums and on the streets has been named 2009 CNN Hero of the Year… sending a clear message to the rest of the world that the Philippines is not just a nation of boxers.

Efren Peñaflorida, the street educator who started a “pushcart classroom” has been named CNN Hero of the Year for 2009. The guy is all over the news. He is very popular right now. He has become so famous, Noynoy Aquino’s popularity is expected to drop by another 15 percent.

Filipino Efren Peñaflorida has been named CNN Hero of the Year. I seriously admire the guy. And people are now talking about his accomplishments. They’re really surprised! They couldn’t believe that Efren has a better track record than Noynoy Aquino.

Congratulations to Efren Peñaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year. Until he made the headlines, many people were not aware of his work. And in case you’re still not familiar with the guy, Efren Peñaflorida is a 28-year-old man from Cavite who was giving education to street kids while Manny Villar was giving away houses to game show contestants.

Filipino Efren Peñaflorida has been named CNN Hero of the Year. Everyone is heaping well-deserved praises on him. He is really popular right now. To give you an idea how famous Efren has become, if he decides to run for president, Loren Legarda is reportedly willing to defect to his party.

Efren Peñaflorida, the street educator who started a “pushcart classroom” has been named CNN Hero of the Year for 2009. Everyone is talking about his work and his feat. In fact, he is so popular right now, Pulse Asia’s latest survey shows that he ranks a notch higher than Gilbert Teodoro.

Efren Peñaflorida has been named CNN Hero of the Year. And why not? Efren’s story is really touching: he started the ‘Kariton Klassroom’ to educate street kids. His story is so inspiring, Mar Roxas has decided to ditch the ‘padyak’ for a pushcart in his next TV ad.

Did you see the awards ceremonies online? The moment Efren was announced the winner was so moving I held back tears while watching. And I’m telling you, I rarely shed a tear. The only time I cried this year was when my friend Chiz Escudero announced that he had no campaign funds to pursue his bid for the presidency.

A hero’s welcome awaits Efren Peñaflorida when he returns to the country. In fact, his supporters have prepared tarpaulins to welcome him. They so wanted to hang the tarps in different locations in Metro Manila but the most visible sites have reportedly been reserved for Bayani Fernando.

Filipino Efren Peñaflorida has been named CNN Hero of the Year. Ten finalists were chosen by CNN and the winner was determined through online voting. Some 2.5 million votes were cast and Efren won. Now here’s what bothers me: DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno claims he is behind Efren’s successful campaign.

Efren Peñaflorida has been named CNN Hero of the Year. When news of his win came out, street kids in Cavite called him and said, “Mabuhay ka Kuya Efren!” President Arroyo told him, “You’re a true hero!” And Joseph Estrada said, “Inuman na!”

CNN has named Efren Peñaflorida of the Philippines Hero of the Year. Already a top 10 finalist, Efren was shocked when CNN anchor Anderson Cooper declared him the winner. And he was shocked even more when, while accepting the award, Chavit Singson went on stage and stood beside him.

In case you didn’t know, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, who handed the award to CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, is gay. Yup Anderson is a homosexual. When the Commission on Elections Second Division heard the news, they urged Efren to return the award because it was “immoral.”
________
“If everybody was satisfied with himself there would be no heroes.”
~Mark Twain

Survey Says
Like Barack Obama, should Noynoy Aquino stop smoking?
YES. :45%
NO. 3%
Do i look like someone who gives a damn? :52%

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

The 2010 Election proved to be a machine of surprises as more and politician and politician wannabes make their tango of political union and divorce. One of the recent surprises is the proclamation of the Filipino veteran actor Edu Manzano as the running mate of the presidential aspirant Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro.

It seems that the Lakas – Kampi – CMD is getting desperate to have a vice-presidential candidate before the end of the filing of candidacy for the next election. No popular politician wants to stake their chances with an administration candidate and Gibo, who is not known in the far flung provinces, needed a popular personality who will catapult his ratings. Loren Legarda does not be an administration candidate and teamed up with Manny Villar instead. Vilma Santos and Bong Revilla also shrugged the possibility of being the vice president of Gibo. There are more personalities who are being courted to be Gibo’s partner, but the speculation ended when Edu was announced as Teodoro’s running mate.

President Gloria Arroyo and the men in Malacanang expect that Edu will give the much needed boost in Teodoro’s candidacy. Edu Manzano is a respected actor and does not have too much controversy that may weigh him during the elections. He is also looked upon as an intelligent actor, which contrasts former president Ejercito Estrada’s barumbado and ill-educated personality. This characteristic of Edu Manzano sits well with the image being projected by the handlers of Gilbert Teodoro as a wise and intelligent leader that will ease the country’s problems.

There is something with being the running mate of Gibo that caused the former potential running mates to shun the offer of Gibo’s handler. That something is the political death. Anyone who is seen as joining forces with the candidates of the present administration are viewed as corrupt and the future protector of the evil President Gloria Arroyo. Running as vice-president under Gilbert Teodoro is just the same as political suicide.

Edu Manzano made a wrong decision in that respect. In the past, the public adore him as a talented and respectable actor. Now, he will be as tainted as Gilbert Teodoro and his popularity will not be enough to gloss over the stain of being associated with the present administration.

Edu Manzano should have opted to run for lower electoral post like mayor or governor. In that way, he could learn to run the government. He should have studied Vilma Santos’ political strategies that propelled her into a respectable politician (as perceived by the public).

It is too late for Edu Manzano to turn back now. The best thing that he could do is to make the most out of his candidacy and prove to the people that he will not be infected by the corruption plague that is prevalent with the present administration.

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The news was a bit of a surprise. After shopping for a senatorial slot in LP, NP, and PMP, Ferdinand “Bongbong”Marcos, Jr. finally found a nesting place in presidential candidate’s Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party. With this move, the Marcos family will again try–for the umpteenth time–to go back to national politics. On his side, Mr. Villar will try to help breach the historical barrier against the Marcos dictatorship that EDSA I and the antidictatorship movement erected.

The move to bring Bongbong into its fold deliberately sets the NP on a course to capture the pro-dictatorship political base of the Marcoses. This base is, of course, unreachable from the LP side, particularly because of Noynoy Aquino’s own political base that is rooted in the EDSA I and anti-dictatorship struggle. It’s maybe good trapo politics but the consequences will be far-reaching.

Villar gambles that the bitter memories of the dark days of the Marcos dictatorship will have been forgotten or attenuated to the point of a non-factor in the 2010 elections. He, I think, pragmatically saw the advantages of a major slice of the Ilocano vote, access to the huge Marcos ill-gotten wealth, and the projection of a “unifying leader” in the electoral contest. An interesting part of his calculation must be that the loss of possible votes from the Left or from the middle class will not be enough to offset these advantages.

What Villar actually will achieve with this move is the stirring up of a hornet’s nest. The Left, particularly the Makabayan group that he earlier wooed to his side, has no choice but to distance and direct its campaign against his candidacy. To do otherwise will be a political suicide that will reverberate to the heart of the underground movement.

The people power that manifested itself in the August events surrounding Cory Aquino’s death will make the connection between Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Marcoses. That connection has been provided by the Villar and NP campaign. Thus, the translation from an anti-GMA sentiment to an anti-Villar movement is a strong possibility.

It may be a great tactical move as seen from from Villar’s strategists to focus the 2010 presidential elections to a fight between Manny Villar and  Noynoy Aquino. However, it brings more complications to an already complicated political contest. It also widened the options and opened new possibilities for the LP’s and Noynoy’s own campaign.

In the end, this NP move may prove to be self-defeating.

THANK CALENDARS IT’S FRIDAY! Manny Pacquiao arrived this morning from Los Angeles. And today marks the start of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2010 elections. But you know what the week’s biggest news was? The emergence of a new dominant political party: “Ang Partido Oportunista ng Pilipinas.”

Earlier this week, the Oxford University Press picked “unfriend” as the Word of the Year. To unfriend someone is to delete him or her from your social life – just like what Vilma Santos, Ralph Recto, Recom Echeverri, Mayor Sonny Belmonte, and Herbert Bautista did to Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

National Convention
The ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD Party held its national convention yesterday at the PICC. Thousands of party members representing each of the country’s geographical regions attended the convention. The atmosphere was relaxed and lively, and attendees were in high spirits. Apparently, everyone was prepared to lose.

In her farewell speech as party chair, President Arroyo claimed that Lakas-Kampi-CMD Party members comprise 72 percent of national and local officials. The farewell speech was written when Cory Aquino was still alive.

In an apparent effort to show that his political party values substance over popularity, Atty. Gilbert Teodoro talked at length about his platform of government. To give you an idea how long Gibô’s speech was, Noynoy Aquino has consumed three packs of cigarettes before he was through.

There have been conflicting reports as to the exact number of attendees in yesterday’s Lakas-Kampi-CMD national convention. The Philippine Daily Inquirer says 3,000. ABS-CBN and GMA 7 say 2,894. Pulse Asia says 2 percent.

In yesterday’s national convention of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, 2,894 people were reportedly present at the PICC: 894 were members of the party; the rest were members of the media.

After Atty. Gilbert Teodoro was proclaimed Lakas-Kampi-CMD Party’s official candidate for president, his wife Nikki Prieto-Teodoro joined him on stage. For a brief moment, Sen. Jamby Madrigal who was watching the live event on TV considered defecting to Lakas.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD members had a show of force in yesterday’s national convention. And despite the recent defections of some prominent members, those who stayed all looked energized. In fact, before the convention started, they eagerly talked about their plans, platforms, and Pinky Webb.

Edu and Pinky
The ruling party’s vice presidential bet Edu Manzano and tv presenter Pinky Webb have called it quits. Rumors say Webb was compelled to break up with Edu when she learned that ABS-CBN was arranging the couple’s live guesting on Wowowee. [Read: Webb did not want to cheapen the romance. Ouch! May tinamaan. Sino kaya?]

Titigan ang larawan. Ano sa palagay mo ang nasa isip ni Edu Manzano nang sandaling iyon?
A) “Sige! Ipamukha n’yo pang single ako. Sige lang!”
B) “Ikaw ngayon, Nikki. Ako, mamayang gabi.”
C) “Hay naku Pinky. Wrong timing ka talaga!”
D) “OA naman ‘to kung makahalik. Parang ‘di 2 percent ang rating!”

Osmeña No Longer a Liberal
Fed up with the “infighting” and “Mafia” in the Liberal Party, former senator Sergio Osmeña III has decided to quit the party. He has also rejected the offer of Erap’s party, and Villar’s Nacionalista Party saying, “My loyalty is to the Filipino people,” to which NPC’s Danding Cojuangco said, “Narinig ko na ‘yan eh.”

Osmeña No Longer a Liberal II
Former senator Sergio Osmeña III has quit the Liberal Party. Noynoy Aquino was unfazed by Osmeña’s decision though, and despite the intrigues, Noynoy said he would never quit the Liberal Party; he would never quit the opposition, and he would never quit smoking.

Ebdane’s VP
Presidential aspirant and former DPWH secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has vowed to reveal his running mate and senatorial bets on November 29. But first, he needs to inform them that they are his running mate and senatorial bets.

Marcoses Support Villar
Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. says the Marcoses have decided to support Nacionalista Party’s Manuel Villar Jr. in next year’s elections. Bongbong’s elder sister Imee, herself a former member of the Lower House has opted not to seek any elective post and will pursue instead a career in ventriloquism.

Early Bird
Marcos loyalist and controversial lawyer Oliver Lozano today filed his certificate of candidacy for president. He did it ahead of other perceived presidential frontrunners. Lozano insists he ‘plans and thinks ahead of everyone.’ To give you an idea how ‘advance’ Lozano’s mindset was, after filing his COC for president… he filed an impeachment complaint against himself.

Manny Is Back
The People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao arrived in the country today with wife, Jinkee. As if to quell rumors that their marriage is on the rocks, the couple gamely kissed during a television interview. Some described the kiss as “sweet.” Some described it as “awesome.” Others described it as ‘damage control.’
__________
“An organization that is strong and stable and is ready to commit time, money, and patience will be more apt to reap rewards than the quick-hitting opportunist.”
~Richard Miller

Light Bites: From Somewhere
Manny Pacquiao: Pacman
Mommy Dionisia: Pacmom
Krista Ranillo: Pacbet (Pambansang Ka__)

Survey Says
Are gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders marginalized, and therefore, must have representation in Congress?
ABSOLUTELY! :33%
NOPE, They are not! :27%
THEY ARE but no need to be represented in Congress :40%

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

Enjoy your weekend!

Are you one of those who are wondering if there will be an election this coming 2010 in the Philippines? Are you doubting the possibility of GMA to step down in 2010?

Let us read between the lines of the current situation in the Philippines like the following issues:

1. GMA is traveling around the Philippines.

2. Secretary of  State Hilary Clinton visits the Philippines to strengthen VFA.

3. Full automation of polls with only 6 months to prepare.

4. The perennial peace and order situation in the Southern Philippines.

5. ZTE-NBN and fertilizer scam which is still unsolved.

And so, reading between the lines, there will be an election in the coming 2010 but there will be much chaos in terms of peace and order and the results of the full automated polls that GMA will have to call for an emergency power known as the MARTIAL LAW. With the help of the US Military which is present all over the Philippines’7,100 island, this can easily be accomplished. I do not have proof for this theory but like the ZTE and fertilizer scam there is no way of proving this theory.

I am not a pessimist and I would be glad that the full automated elections will be a success. Hopefully presidential candidates who will lose in the elections will humbly accept their fate and would not contest the results.

This is not a campaign for any contenders in the coming 2010 elections but a campaign for voters as well as non- voters to be vigilant of any signs that can lead to the realization of this theory that a state of emergency, MARTIAL LAW, will be called in case there will be a failure of elections due to unavoidable circumstances which can be due to the following reasons such as a nationwide blackout, machine failure, bombings of precincts, lost data or any unforeseen catastrophe.

The reported bolting by a member of the LP senatorial slate–former senator Sergio Osmeña, Jr.–is an example of the peril of pursuing traditional politics in a setting of reform politics. Serge’s ostensible reason is his rejection of the LP’s choice of another senatorial candidate–erstwhile administration ally and another former senator, Ralph Recto. Recto was earlier reported to be eyeing a senatorial slot in the NP senatorial slate with his Wednesday Club buddy, Senator Manny Villar.

Recto’s senatorial term was marred by a controversial sponsorship–willingly or under duress from Malacañang (depending on whose story you hear)–of the infamous e-VAT law. This was a major reason for his failure to secure another term in the 2007 senatorial elections. He later serve in the Macapagal-Arroyo cabinet.

The first question to be asked, of course, is: Why Recto? The second question is: Is the Osmeña reaction correct?

The Recto decision was–from the first–a sound political decision for Liberal Party, that is, if the traditional political way of calculation is followed. The Recto couple’s political base + Vilma Santos’ nationwide fan base = national campaign asset. Part of the calculation may be that Recto’s early resignation from the cabinet and publicized tiff with Secretary Angelo Reyes would effectively negate any bad political effect of his dancing with the “enemy.”

The problem of this decision lies in its defiance of Noynoy Aquino’s alternative route to the presidential candidacy–a route based on the people’s clamor to reject the traditional politics and all that it implies. This places an intangible–yet potent–criteria on candidates associated with him, whether in the national and local levels.

The criteria are simple: one has to renounce the traditional way of politics of convenience, self-interest, and wheeling-dealing and to embrace a creed of honesty, genuine public service, and transparency. The rejection of the Arroyo administration by those who nominated Noynoy to the presidential table is total–anybody associated with it has the burden of admitting their mistakes and making penance before the people. In this sense, Recto falls far short of what is required of a Noynoy-endorsed senatorial candidate.

The LP is walking along a perilous traditional path strewn with political mine fields like the Recto case. It is a path potentially deadly to Noynoy’s commanding lead over his rivals and eventually, maybe to his very candidacy.

This may yet be cured and I think Senator Osmeña’s reaction is a bit premature. However, he saw the abyss.

The national election is half a year away and of course the political furnace is getting hotter everyday. Nothing new about this. We Filipinos do everything with extreme passion and commitment, and to my mind, with over zealousness and emotionalism [i'm thinking about those who suffered strokes and died while watching Manny's fight, or the cheesy outburst during Cory's funeral [unbelievably OA, but that's us; so, i'm suspending my disbelief actually.]

Here in my present locality [that is, Cagayan de Oro City] the stage has been set, battle lines drawn, and the political temperature definitely on fever mode. How do i know this? Media of course. It has been a forgone conclusion that politics cannot exist without media and vice versa. What troubles and even outrages me at the moment however, is the manner in which media [radio specifically] prostitute itself to forward a political group’s agenda. I was taught that the press is basically a ‘fiscalizer’, an arbitrator and thus, must remain neutral at all cost. But this is not what’s happening with local radio stations. Take for example stiff competitors Bombo Radyo and RMN-dxCC. It is very sad to note that each of these broadcast media is taking sides in each political pole–the former for the ruling administration and its party, the latter for the opposition and the political foes of city hall. They do not seem to realize how ridiculous they sound allowing themselves to be groaning aunts, interviewing, back slapping and singing praises at, their favored politicians while hurling accusations based on unconfirmed data and minus the benefit of evidence, against these politicians’ opponents. They do not even have the courtesy to allow those they accuse with a chance to defend themselves [if one wants to hear what the other camp has to say, he has to switch to the other station.] Worse, anchors of these stations do the mudslinging and encourage the malicious intrigues themselves! And I don’t hear the KBP, the supposed to be regulating body, nor the CDO Press Club saying or doing anything to check these people up. This is clearly an abuse of the trust that we listeners bestow on the media. If we cannot count on them to lead us by showing an objective stance on crucial issues where we have a stake and could stand to lose, how are we supposed to make intelligent choices during the election?

SENATOR MANNY VILLAR has formally declared Sen. Loren Legarda as his running mate in next year’s national elections. For helping him find Legarda after weeks of an agonizing search, Villar thanked his partymates, his loyal supporters, his family, and Chiz Escudero.

Things In Common
In declaring her support for the Nacionalista Party’s unofficial presidential candidate, Sen. Loren Legarda said, she and Manny Villar “share many things in common.” They both have the same vision; they both have the same platform, and they both have no other choice.

Nacionalista Party’s Manny Villar has chosen Sen. Loren Legarda as his official vice presidential running mate… prompting game show host Willie Revillame to initiate talks with Sen. Chiz Escudero.

Sen. Loren Legarda has found a new partner. Surprisingly, she picked someone who’s only 60 years old.

Ralph and Vi
Former senator Ralph Recto and his wife, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos have left the ruling coalition and joined the Liberal Party. Ralph said he decided to leave Lakas and join the LP after a month of consultations with leaders, stakeholders, family, friends and staff. Vilma explained she decided to leave Lakas and join the LP after a month of consultation with Luis.

Pulse Asia Survey
Sen. Noynoy Aquino topped the latest Pulse Asia survey on ‘presidentiables’ with 44 percent. The ruling party’s bet, Gilbert Teodoro got 2 percent. Actually, he got 10 percent in the initial tally but before the final results could be announced, 8 percent of the respondents have already defected to Noynoy.

Comelec vs. ‘Ang Ladlad’
Trying to justify his decision to reject the application for accreditation of “Ang Ladlad” in the party list polls next year, Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer says homosexuals are actually “over-represented” in both Houses of Congress. Ferrer vowed to unmask the gay senators and congressmen when he debuts as guest co-host on… “The Buzz.” Su-su-nod!

Comelec vs. ‘Ang Ladlad’ II
Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer said there was no need to accredit ‘Ang Ladlad’ because homosexuals were actually “over-represented” in both the Lower House and the Senate… to which Sen. Jamby Madrigal said, “Weh?”

Comelec vs. ‘Ang Ladlad’ III
Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer says there’s no need to accredit ‘Ang Ladlad’ as a party list group since homosexuals are “over-represented” in both the Lower House and the Senate. Pressed by the media to identify them, Ferrer answered, “Sinetch sila?!? Wiz ko sila namesung. Baka ma-imbyerna ang mga lola at tsugiin ako. This press con is so over! Babush!”

Nograles for Gays
Taking the cudgels for ‘Ang Ladlad,’ House Speaker Prospero Nograles dismissed the Comelec’s claim that gays were “overrepresented” in Congress. Nograles insisted that ‘Ang Ladlad’ should be accredited since the solons being referred to by Ferrer were members of another group, ‘Ang Tagô.’

Pacman’s Homecoming
The National Capital Region will reportedly deploy 2,000 policemen on Friday to secure Manny Pacquiao. Another group of 3,000 cops will be deployed to secure Krista Ranillo. [Humanda ka sa fans ni Jinkee!]
__________
“The Bible contains six admonishments to homosexuals and 362 admonishments to heterosexuals. That doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love heterosexuals. It’s just that they need more supervision.”
~Lynn Lavner

Survey Says
Forget about the money! Who would you rather have as a boyriend:
Noynoy Aquino :37%
Manny Pacquiao :63%

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

Elsewhere
I was supposed to write about this but Newsbreak already came up with a similar observation: the 2010 polls are a battle of universities, too

What’s the word of the year according to Oxford University Press? Find out here.

Here’s the controversial paparazzi video of Manny Pacquiao and an unidentified girl after the former’s guesting on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’

Personal
Ito ay isang panawagan sa National Historical Institute na patuloy sa pagpapaunlak ng panayam sa media kaugnay ng anila’y maling pag-awit ng La Diva sa Lupang Hinirang noong laban ni Manny Pacquiao. If the ladies violated the law, then sanction them according to the written rules and regulations ng NHI. Dakdak kayo nang dakdak noon pa mang Pacquiao-Hatton fight, pero wala naman kayong ginagawang aksyon. Nasaan na si Martin Nievera? Naparusahan ba? If there’s a law, then impose the freakin’ law. Hindi ‘yung putak kayo nang putak, wala naman kayong kongkretong aksyong ginagawa laban sa mga “nagkamali.” Punyeta!

The picture at the presidential and vice-presidential contest level is now clearer. The top contenders for the posts are the tandem of Noynoy Aquino-Mar Roxas under the LP banner against the tandem of Manny Villar-Loren Legarda. The other candidates are simply to far away at this time to present a serious challenge to both tandems.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey from October 20-30, 2009, The former leads the latter in both contests with Aquino (44%) winning over Villar (19%) and Roxas (37%) winning over Legarda (23%). Aquino’s lead is almost insurmountable and it will take a massive effort just to be within hitting distance when the formal campaign starts in February 2010. Legarda also has her work cut out to maintain a credible challenge to Roxas.

At first glance, there seems to be the revival of the two-party system of the 1960’s pre-martial law period. This is not supported by the events. Rather, LP and NP are both vehicles of the principal candidates and mainly used for political negotiations both at the national and local levels. The senatorial choices announced so far by the two camps reflect the same hodgepodge of “guest candidates” borne out of these negotiations.

Aquino’s constituency far outstrips the Liberal Party constituency even as Mar has his own negotiated vote base that straddles not only LP but other parties as well. When Legarda touted an NP-NPC alliance behind her team-up with Villar, it covers only those NPS members aligned with her and does not reflect an actual unified party decision.

No, there is no revival but a twist on the traditional politics where the convenient fiction of a coalition is dispensed with in favor of the party acting as an umbrella for “guest” candidates.

MANNY PACQUIAO has won his seventh title in seven weight divisions. With his latest victory, Pacquiao is expected to reclaim the “Most Popular Guy in the Philippines” title from Noynoy Aquino.

New Champ, New Fight
Minutes after Manny Pacquiao outclassed Puerto Rican champ Miguel Cotto, the crowd chanted, ‘We want Floyd! We want Floyd!” Pacquiao answered, “I want Chiongbian! I want Chiongbian!”

Manny Pacquiao won his bout against Miguel Cotto as a welterweight. His next “fight” will be in May 2010 where he’ll try his luck as a ‘lightweight.’

Miguel Cotto himself has hinted during the fight that he was willing to try politics soon. In fact, even before declaring his candidacy, he had tried to run several times.

Pacman Fanatics
Dozens of Filipino politicians have joined the bandwagon and declared themselves members of Team Pacquiao… except for Sen. Chiz Escudero who refused to join any group and declared himself member of Team Pilipinas.

Pacquiao’s 7th Title
Manny Pacquiao became the first boxer to win seven world titles in seven different divisions. The only other Filipino to achieve an almost similar feat was Ronaldo Puno – operating for three different presidential bets and winning all three elections.

Pacquiao’s 7th Title II
Sen. Loren Legarda congratulated Manny Pacquiao for winning his seventh world title in seven weight divisions. Legarda said she could actually relate to Pacquiao because “2010 will mark my fourth candidacy under my fifth political party.”

More Reactions
Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. congratulated Manny Pacquiao for his win saying, “You inspired our people to keep trying to make the impossible happen…” something that Villar himself hopes to duplicate in 2010.

In a text message to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, House Speaker Prospero Nograles said, “At least for one brief shining moment, we in the Philippines forgot all our problems.” Until Chavit Singson climbed into the ring.

Nacionalista Party’s Pia Cayetano said the win “brings hope to a people badly in need of inspiration.” More importantly, it brings hope to a presidential aspirant badly in need of a running mate.

Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon described Manny’s feat as “One win by one man, but a victory for millions of Filipinos.” He then looked at the moon and smiled.

At press time though, presidential frontrunner Noynoy Aquino of the Liberal Party has not issued a statement on Manny Pacquiao’s victory… mainly because the draft of his congratulatory message has yet to be approved by the Pink Sisters.

QUESTION: Sino o ano ang inyong nakikita sa larawan?
A) Makikita sa foreground ‘yong winner; makikita sa background ‘yong loser!
B) ‘Yong nasa unahan, mukha ng bayani. ‘Yong nasa likuran, mukhang babalato.
C) Ahhh, madali lang! ‘Yong nasa unahan, kampeon. ‘Yong nasa likuran, kampon.
D) Anong problema n’yo?!? Close silang dalawa eh, mahirap bang tanggapin ‘yun? Manigas kayo sa inggit!

Cotto’s Millions
Despite losing his welterweight title to Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto still pocketed 7 million dollars – half of which will be spent to reconstruct his face.

Jinkee Was There
Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee, considers herself lucky because she was able to watch the fight at ringside. Starlet Krista Ranillo considers herself luckier because the night before the fight, she was at Manny’s bedside.

Big Punches
Manny Pacquiao landed 276 punches out of 560 attempts or 49 percent while Cotto connected on just 93 of 300 power punches thrown or 31 percent… five percent lower than Jinkee Pacquiao’s monthly average.

Mayweather Jr. Is Next?
Fans and supporters of Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena wanted him to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. next. But fans and supporters of Jinkee Pacquiao are more excited to see her beat up Krista Ranillo first.

Roach is the Best
When Pacquiao demolished Cotto, boxing analysts finally understood the genius of Freddie Roach. Now, if they could only understand what he’s saying.

Crime-Free RP
Authorities say the Philippines registered near-zero crime during the Pacquiao-Cotto fight. Robbers stayed home, NPA rebels and Army soldiers observed an undeclared truce, and the More Islamic Liberation Front delayed the kidnapping of another priest.

Celebrities in Attendance
Spotted during the fight were Hollywood celebrities like Denzel Washington, Will Ferrell, Joe Pesci, Jeremy Piven, Mark Wahlberg, Mickey Rourke, P. Diddy, Paris Hilton, rapper/DJ Jermaine Dupri, Magic Johnson, Shane Mosley and several other prominent figures. For a brief moment, promoter Bob Arum considered playing the song, “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa.”

But an awkward thing happened before the fight began. When TV cameras focused on starlet Krista Ranillo, Manny started humming, ‘Sometimes When We Touch.’

Twelve Rounds
Friends who failed to watch the fight texted me and asked how long did the fight last. I replied: On radio, 12 rounds; on GMA-7, 12 years. [Punyetang mga commercials ‘yan!]

La Diva
La Diva – a trio of virtually unknown Filipino singers was applauded for their rendition of the Philippine National Anthem before the Pacquiao-Cotto bout. I heard they were paid in dollars. They’re now on their way back to the country to buy a career.
__________
“I was actually pretending it didn’t hurt, but it really hurt, you know.”
~Manny Pacquiao during a post-fight press conference

Elsewhere
CNN Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Graham enumerates the “Five things we learned from the Pacquiao-Cotto fight”

Survey Says
Who is your vice president?
JEJOMAR Binay :7%
LOREN Legarda :5%
EDU Manzano :12%
MAR ROXAS :46%
Wala na lang. :30%

We have a new survey. Please vote now.

The December 1 deadline for filing of candidacy is barely three weeks away. Yet, there is still a scrambling for vice-presidency and the senatorial slate among the presidential-led electoral coalitions. Even the composition of coalitions is in the state of flux.

Of course, the root of this current state of disarray is  the entry of Noynoy Aquino into the presidential fray as the runaway “winnable”. He has rapidly evolved as the overpowering threat to the chances of all other presidential wannabees.

Already burdened by a lameduck status, the Lakas-Kampi ruling coalition grows desperate to complete its national candidate slate and raise the rating level of its standardbearer, Secretary Gibo Teodoro. However, time is catching up, with the start of open exodus of key members to either LP or NP. Soon–the floodgates having opened–it will become a deluge.

The experience of past ruling coalitions comes to mind: the Mitra-led coalition in the 1992 elections, and the de Venecia-led ruling coalition in the 1998 elections. In both cases, the trumpeted numbers, funds, and organization simply dissipated in face of an opposition-bent electorate.

2004 elections was different in that the incumbent president ran for reelection. However, even Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo suffered the ignominy of a close, controversial contest, the subsequent crisis of the presidency, and the dubious record of being the most unpopular president ever.

The kiss of death that is the identification with and endorsement of GMA has kept Secretary Teodoro’s  survey ratings in the cellar. The decision of the senior leaders of the Lakas-Kampi coalition, including the President, and giving Gibo a free hand in selection his leaders and his candidate slate is a desperate maneuver that is already too late. What it essentially did was to free the hands of GMA, Ermita and the others who resigned for their own negotiations with the remaining presidentiables with serious chances of winning. At this time, this is only Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar.

The incumbent power that is the Arroyo administration expectedly has become the lightning rod for all the perceived problems of the electorate. Both the leading contenders also expectedly project their opposition credentials. However, the parameters of the 2010 elections has already been laid down–it is between the candidate of the status quo and the candidate of change. The administration, of course, represents the status quo; who represents change?

KAISA – Nagkakaisang Iskolar para sa Pamantasan at Sambayanan

in cooperation with the

College of Science Student Council (CS-SC),
College of Home Economics Student Council (CHE-SC),
National College of Public Administration and Governance Student Council (NCPAG-SC),
Asian Institute of Tourism Student Council (AIT-SC),
College of Human Kinetics Student Council (CHK-SC),
College of Architecture Student Council (ASC),
Alliance of Concerned Dormitories (ACD),
Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity, and the
University Student Council-Mass Media Committee

presents

HER TIME IS UP
2010 Election Forum Series

1st Guest Presidentiable is Sen. Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero

November 12, 2009, 1:00-4:00 P.M.
Malcolm Hall Theater (College of Law), UP Diliman

This election forum series is for the benefit of UP students, who wants to be an audience with the future public officials of our country. The one-on-one will focus on the education sector, touching on his/her plans for UP as the premier state university, and overall plans for the youth as a whole. They are also expected to tackle on their governance and economic plans.

Draft Primer hinggil sa Luisita massacre na sinulat ni Lisa Ito apat na taon na ang nakaraan
(di ko na mahanap yung Final PDF file nito eh)

Para sa mga manggagawang bukid ng Hacienda Luisita, take-home pay na P9.50* kada linggo ang kapalit ng daantaong pagbubungkal nila at ng kanilang mga ninuno sa lupaing inangkin ng mga Cojuangco. Para naman sa amo nilang ganid sa tubo, tila P9.50 lang rin ang halaga ng buhay na nilagas ng bala noong ika-16 ng Nobyembre 2004 — halagang ‘di sasapat upang makabili ng isang lata ng sardinas, o kaha ng sigarilyong Fortune.

Ano nga ba ang tunay na halaga ng paggawa, lupa at karapatang-pantao? Timbangin natin kung bakit makatarungan ang pag-aaklas ang masang anakpawis sa halip na magtiis sa buhay-barya.

KAKAPUSAN NG KARAMIHAN = KASAGANAAN NG IILAN

Nobyembre 6, 2004 nang simulan ang welga sa Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT), ang pinakamalaking pagawaan ng asukal sa buong Luzon. Bunsod ito ng umiiral na kalagayan sa asyenda kung saan matutunghayan ang karangyaan ng iilan samantalang kasalatan naman sa kabuhayan ng nakararami.

Ang mga sumusunod ay napapaloob sa 6,453 ektaryang asyenda na pag-aari ng angkan ng Cojuangco-Aquino, isa sa pinakamakapangyarihang pamilya sa ekonomiya at pulitika sa Pilipinas:
• 4,915.75 ektaryang lupaing agrikultural
• Ang CAT, kung saan pinoproseso ang tubo upang gawing asukal matapos ang kabyawan (anihan)
• Mga istruktura tulad ng Mall, 70-ektaryang Golf Course,at 500-ektaryang Industrial Park
• ‘Di bababa sa limang malalaking kompanya na humahawak sa iba’t ibang negosyo sa asyenda

Sa mga ito kumakamal ng sagad-sagarang tubo ang mga Cojuangco. Ngunit nananatiling maralita ang masang tagalikha ng yamang kanilang tinatamasa: mga manggagawa at manggagawang-bukid na walang lupa.

• Ang mga manggagawang-bukid na bumubuo sa kalakhan ng lakas-paggawa ng asyenda ay sumasahod ng P194 lamang kada araw, at pinahihintulutang magtrabaho nang isa hanggang dalawang araw lamang kada linggo. Dahil sa pagkakabaon sa utang, madalas ay P9.50 na lamang ang aktwal na naiuuwing sahod.

MAKATARUNGANG WELGA = PANDARAHAS NG ESTADO

‘Di-makataong pasahod, kawalan ng benepisyo, at pagsupil ng awtoridad ang tumatahi sa pinagsanib na laban ng dalawang unyon sa asyenda. Magkasunod na nag-welga ang ULWU o United Luisita Workers Union (unyon ng mga manggagawang-bukid) at ang CATLU o Central Azucarera de Tarlac Labor Union (unyon ng mga manggagawa ng azucarera) dahil sa union-busting at pagmamatigas ng management ng Hacienda Luisita Incorporated (HLI) sa negosasyon para sa isang makabuluhang Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Ang mga makatarungang HILING ng mga unyon mula sa management:

CATLU
• P100 across-the-board wage increase
• Signing Bonus
• Gratuity Pay

ULWU
• Pagtaas sa sahod
• Libreng serbisyo mula sa St. Martin de Porres Hospital ng CAT
• Mga benepisyong tulad ng Christmas at Service bonus

Ang TUGON ng pamilya Cojuangco at ng mga kasabwat nila:

• Tuso at sapilitang pagtanggal ng management sa 327 manggagawang-bukid, kasama ang mga lider ng ULWU at pakikipagsabwatan sa iilang bayarang indibidwal sa CAT.

• “Assumption of Jurisdiction” order na nagpapatunay na kasangkot ang Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), sa pangunguna ni Sec. Patricia Sto. Tomas na buwagin ang welga at dahasin ang mga manggagawa.

• Panghihimasok ng Northern Luzon Command ng AFP sa usaping sibilyan

• Masaker ng mga manggagawang-bukid – Ang nabigong limang beses na tangkang pagbuwag ng mga pulis at militar sa piketlayn gamit ang water cannon, tear gas, truncheon, at baril. Humantong ito sa pagkakapaslang ng pitong welgista noong hapon ng Nobyembre 16, 2004. Nagpapatuloy ang pandarahas at pamamaslang sa pangunguna ng mga militar at mga bayarang goons. Disyembre 8, pinaslang ang Tagapangulo ng Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Tarlac, si Ka Marcing na susing testigo sa naganap na masaker.